Breast Feeding

There are many benefits to breastfeeding. It benefits mothers and babies.  Babies are less prone to illnesses and diseases.  Formula feeding raises a higher risk of asthma, diabetes, and respiratory infections.  Breastfeeding is also better for the mothers.  It lowers the risk of postpartum depression and forms a tremendous bond between baby and mother.  The mother can be alone with her baby and give him/her the closeness that babies require.  Babies need to be held and nurtured.  I breast fed my son when he was a baby and I would not have had it any other way.  I did not have to worry about bottles and making sure they are properly cleaned.  When he was hungry, he ate.  I was able to pump milk and freeze it for when I was not able to be around him.  Breastfeeding is a healthy and un-costly way to feed your child knowing that they are getting all of the nutrients they need. 

In countries that suffer from poverty, breastfeeding is a must.  Families are poor and cannot afford to properly feed their children.  Another factor in these countries is that the water and food can be harmful.  Mothers do not have a choice other than to breastfeed for the safety of their children.

“The nation benefits overall when mothers breastfeed. Recent research shows that if 90 percent of families breastfed exclusively for 6 months, nearly 1,000 deaths among infants could be prevented. The United States would also save $13 billion per year — medical care costs are lower for fully breastfed infants than never-breastfed infants. Breastfed infants typically need fewer sick care visits, prescriptions, and hospitalizations” (Women’shealth.gov., 2011).

 

Reference:

(2011).  Women’shealth.gov. Breastfeeding. http://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/why-breastfeeding-is-important/